Man breaks down in tears after Obado found guilty in Sharon Otieno murder

Emotions ran high at the Milimani High Court on Thursday after a man in the gallery broke down in tears moments after the conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and two co-accused in the murder of Sharon Otieno.

The man, who was seated among members of the public and whose affiliation was not immediately known, stood up shortly after Justice Cecilia Githua delivered the judgement. Wailing as he covered his face with a handkerchief, he walked out of the courtroom.

The emotional scene unfolded after the judge found Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero guilty of Sharon Otieno's murder.

The court remained silent briefly before the judge proceeded.

Delivering the judgement, Justice Githua said the prosecution had proved its case against the three accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.

"It is therefore my finding that the prosecution has proved its case against the first, second and third accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. I consequently find each accused guilty of the offence of murder. Each accused is accordingly convicted," Justice Githua ruled.

The brief emotional outburst came as the court concluded one of Kenya's most closely watched murder trials.

The High Court found that Obado had a strong motive to silence Sharon Otieno in order to prevent details of their affair from reaching the public and damaging his political career.

Justice Githua said the evidence presented during the trial showed that Obado was keen to contain information about his relationship with Sharon and her pregnancy, despite his claim that the affair was already an "open secret."

The judge said although Obado testified that his relationship with Sharon was known to his family, Sharon's family and staff at the Migori County Government, the evidence suggested he wanted to prevent the matter from attracting wider public attention.

Justice Githua cited the testimony of prosecution witness PW9, who told the court that after a meeting at Obado's residence, the former governor escorted them outside and instructed him not to disclose Sharon's pregnancy to anyone.

"The governor then escorted us outside the main house. We stood at the staircase. He bade us goodbye and promised to keep in touch after instructing me not to tell anybody about Sharon's pregnancy," PW9 testified.

The judge observed that this aspect of the witness's evidence was not expressly challenged by Obado.

The court also referred to the testimony of another witness, whom Obado acknowledged was a truthful witness.